45 contestants rang in the New Year in a big way! They all entered garments in the Sewing for Men Contest.

For 31 days, these contestants cut and sewed fashions for themselves or the men in their lives. Nightshirts, boxers, shirts and robes, a tux, vests, ties and coats, oh yes, and an aviator hat...admire them all here.

She rated the pattern difficult, not because the sewing was difficult, but because the instructions are hard to follow. She used other references, such as Roberto Cabrera's "Classic Tailoring Techniques" and Kenneth King's "Cool Couture", to help her and ended up modifying the pattern. Although the original model was made in leather, she made her son's coat in black wool with a navy iridescent acetate crinkle.

Making a number of alterations to suit her aesthetic and her son's measurements, she anticipates this coat to last 20 years and does not expect to make it again.

Second Prize:Karen6790 For Burda World of Fashion Magazine: 08-2009-133 Men's jacket with pockets
Karen6790 made this jacket for her DBF. According to the pattern description, "[this] slim-cut sport jacket will catapult his outfit from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds."
Karen shortened the pattern in several places, including the sleeves, to better fit her model. She made the jacket in wool houndstooth check with brown lining. The original pattern called for pleated pockets, but when Karen saw them in place, she decided to go with a plain patch pocket.

She attached the sleeve lining to the sleeves according to Sandra Betzina's method, one that has served her well through many patterns. She too used "Classic Tailoring Techniques", as well as other sewing references to help her through a number of sewing firsts.